The future of the abandoned rail line that snakes through Vancouver’s west side along Arbutus Street is now sealed. Both the city and Canadian Pacific Railway reached a decision that ends the contentious back-and-forth that intensified last summer when CP began clearing the land around the tracks.

While trains have not run along the corridor since the early 2000’s, the railway company held onto to the property, even offering it to the City for $400 million during early negotiations.

For $55 million, the City acquires 17 hectares of land stretched over 9 kilometres between 1st Avenue near False Creek down to Milton Street on the Fraser River. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson states that “…the City will be able to transform the area into an outstanding greenway and connect neighbourhoods from False Creek to Marpole.”.

Now walkers, strollers, and cyclists instead of freight trains can enjoy this new greenway — legitimately, at last. City officials will look to the public for input on improvements and final design.

Sources: City of Vancouver, CBC

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